Overview

A rising seventh grader visits his grandmother in 1980s San Francisco for a whirlwind summer of spelling bee training, only to begin suspecting she has Alzheimer’s, in this witty and compassionate middle grade novel for fans of Al Capone Does My Shirts. Ben Bellini didn’t mean to become a champion speller—after all, he’s not a nerd—but he sure does like spelling bee glory now that it’s found him. He might even be good enough for the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC! And what better way to prepare than to train with a professional spelling coach in San Francisco, where his nan lives? Through his adventures, Ben gets to know the city—and competitor Asha Krishnakumar, who’s equally determined to spell her way to victory. But Ben also starts having odd interactions with his nan that leave him feeling like he’s missing something. Where is Nan’s forgetfulness coming from? And will anyone even believe him if he tries to get help? Between showing up for his loved ones and pursuing his own dreams, Ben will need to spend this summer figuring out what he owes others…and what he owes himself.

Full Product Details

9781665930123

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Reviews

""A sympathetic character, Ben struggles to prove himself to those around him, while becoming increasingly aware that they have troubles too. . . . Timeless in its portrayal of a middle-school boy trying to find his way.""--Booklist ""Finnegan offers a story with a big heart about the drama of spelling bees and brings to life a cast of characters to care about while highlighting major themes of life: loneliness, wanting to be seen, dreams, memory, and family and friends.""--Horn Book ""Finnegan touches on . . . gender roles, prejudice, and masculinity across an introspective tale about finding and staying true to oneself.""--Publishers Weekly ""In his well-drawn character arc, Ben shoulders responsibilities beyond his years to help Nan: His growth signals the champion he's becoming in his personal life. A thoughtful coming-of-age story.""--Kirkus Reviews

Author Information

Margaret Finnegan is the author of the Junior Library Guild Selections Sunny Parker Is Here to Stay, New Kids and Underdogs, Susie B. Won’t Back Down, and We Could Be Heroes, which was a USA TODAY bestseller. Her other work has appeared in FamilyFun, the Los Angeles Times, Salon, and other publications. She lives in South Pasadena, California, where she enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog, and baking really good chocolate cakes. Visit her online at MargaretFinnegan.com.

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